Do I have to wear a face mask on a plane? Flight rules for EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI explained
A GROWING number of airlines are scrapping their face mask requirements for passengers.
But while Covid rules are being eased, some airlines do still have strict face mask policies in place.
We've rounded up the face mask rules for some popular UK airlines.
EasyJet
EasyJet passengers must still wear face masks on the flight.
The easyJet guidance states: "Face masks must be worn at the airport, at the gate when boarding the aircraft, and throughout the flight.
"Passengers not wearing a mask will not be able to board the aircraft."
However, kids under six do not have to wear them, or anyone with proof of a medical exemption.
They also warn that scarves, face visors or masks with valves are not permitted, and you may be refused travel if your mask isn't suitable.
The airline also warned they will not be giving masks to anyone who forgets them.
Read more airline stories
Ryanair
The boss of Ryanair has announced face masks are likely to be dropped from flights by spring.
Michael O'Leary said he hopes to see the end of masks on planes by the "end of April or May".
Until then, face masks are still required for Ryanair passengers.
Ryanair states on their website: "You must wear a face mask/covering in the airport and onboard your flight.
"On arrival, please keep your mask on until you have left the airport terminal."
A number of passengers have been kicked off Ryanair flights in recent months for refusing to wear face masks.
Most read in News Travel
Jet2
Jet2 was the first major airline in the UK to drop mandatory face masks on flights.
The Jet2 website states: "It’s no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask at our airports or onboard our planes.
"However, as per UK Government guidance, we recommend that you continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and you will need to wear one when you get to your overseas destination."
This applies to anyone travelling from England and Northern Ireland.
Customers traveling from Scotland aged six and over must still wear a face mask.
TUI
TUI has followed in Jet2's footsteps and scrapped mandatory face masks on its flights.
Passengers travelling on flights to and from England and Northern Ireland will no longer have to wear them.
A statement on the TUI website said: "It’s no longer a legal requirement for those travelling to or from England or Northern Ireland to wear a face mask during their TUI Airways flight, but – in accordance with UK government and EU Charter guidance – we do still strongly recommend that you do so."
Scotland and Wales are not included - the statement continued: "It's really important that everyone aged 12 and over flying to or from Wales or Scotland wears a mask throughout their journey, even if they’re fully vaccinated."
There are also two exceptions to the rule - anyone travelling to the US from the UK who is aged two and over must still wear their face masks, even if travelling from England or Northern Ireland.
And any travellers aged six and over travelling to Italy must also wear an FFP2 mask during the entire flight.
The airline has warned passengers that they must still travel with face masks as many holiday destinations still require them in public spaces.
British Airways
British Airways is the latest airline to announce it is ditching mandatory face masks on flights.
Jason Mahoney, BA chief operating officer, said: "From Wednesday, March 16, customers will only be required to wear a face covering onboard our flights if the destination they're travelling to requires it."
Some flight routes will continue to require passengers to wear face masks due to the restrictions in place at the arriving country.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
This could include destinations such as the US and Italy as they have their own rules in place regarding face masks.
However, BA hasn't yet confirmed which of its flights passengers will have to continue wearing masks on.
